By Daniel Foelz
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March 4, 2025
Every company registered in Australia must meet annual compliance obligations set by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). One of the key requirements is the annual statement, which ASIC issues to companies shortly after their annual review date - typically the anniversary of their registration. What is an ASIC Annual Statement? Shortly after a company’s annual review date, ASIC sends out an annual statement. This document includes: • Company’s Current Details: A summary of the company’s information as recorded by ASIC. • Annual Review Fee Invoice : An invoice detailing the fee required to maintain the company’s registration. • Corporate Key: A unique identifier that allows secure access to ASIC’s online services for updating company information. Companies must carefully review this document to ensure their information is correct and take action to maintain their registration. Annual Obligations for Companies To remain compliant and avoid penalties, companies must complete the following steps each year: 1. Pay the Annual Review Fee ASIC requires companies to pay a yearly fee to maintain their registration. The amount varies depending on the type of company (e.g. Private Company or SMSF Trustee Company). Payments must be made by the due date to avoid late fees and possible deregistration. These fees are included within our invoice issued to you. 2. Verify and Update Company Details Companies should check their annual statement to confirm that all details - such as registered office address, directors, and shareholders are accurate. If any changes are needed, they must be updated with ASIC by contacting our office. 3. Pass a Solvency Resolution Within two months of the annual review date, company directors are required to pass a solvency resolution. This resolution confirms that the directors have reasonable grounds to believe the company can pay its debts as they become due. While the resolution doesn’t need to be lodged with ASIC, it must be documented and kept with the company’s records. Consequences of Non-Compliance Failing to meet ASIC’s annual requirements can result in penalties, late fees, and even company deregistration. It is crucial for companies to adhere to these obligations to maintain their good standing and ensure uninterrupted operation. What Happens If You Don’t Receive Your Annual Statement? If the annual statement isn’t received within a week of the review date, companies should contact ASIC to avoid compliance issues and potential penalties. Deregistration Considerations If a company is no longer operating, it may apply for voluntary deregistration to avoid ongoing fees and obligations. Contact our office to discuss. Stay Compliant to Avoid Penalties By staying on top of annual reviews and ensuring all obligations are met on time, companies can remain in good standing and avoid unnecessary complications. For comprehensive information on annual statements and company obligations, refer to ASIC official website or contact our office.